Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL), the 50:50 joint venture formed by 3 UK and T-Mobile UK to integrate and manage their 3G radio access networks (RAN), has selected Ericsson to provide managed services to complete the consolidation of their 3G infrastructure. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Under the terms of the contract, about 220 T-Mobile staff have transferred to Ericsson.
Ericsson will be responsible for the network design and deployment requirements of the consolidation program, which will result in the creation of an integrated 3G network providing close to complete population coverage for 3G services. It will also reduce the number of radio sites from approximately 18,000 sites to 13,000, providing both environmental benefits and significant cost savings while simultaneously improving coverage. In addition to the consolidation and decommissioning of sites, Ericsson will take responsibility for the acquisition and building of new sites, capacity management, equipment swaps and upgrades to transmission facilities. The five-year contract includes management of the ongoing growth and optimization of the 3G RAN as well as T-Mobile's 2G access network.
http://www.ericsson.com
- In November 2008, Ericsson was awarded a managed services contract for the operation of the integrated 3G networks and T-Mobile's 2G network.
